Malaria is caused by a parasites that are transmitted through bites from mosquitoes.You are unlikely to catch Malaria if you live in a warm climate.If you don't get treatment for the most common symptoms of Malaria, you may develop more serious problems.You should see a doctor if you suspect you have Malaria.
Step 1: If you have a high temperature, watch for it.
A high temperature of at least 102F (37.9C) is one of the most common symptoms of a malarial infection.After getting bitten by a mosquito, it's one of the first symptoms to appear as early as seven days.Sometimes the fever comes and goes.It is thought that this is related to the spread of the malaria parasites.There are at least five types of parasites that can cause disease.The initial symptoms may be mild and mimic less serious viral infections.Symptoms don't show up for about two weeks after being bitten.
Step 2: Take notice of the cold.
Severe shaking chills with intermittent periods of sweating are the primary symptom of Malaria.The shaking chills are typical of many other infections, but they are more severe with Malaria.They can prevent sleep and cause teeth to chatter.The shaking can be mistaken for a seizure.If you want to get rid of the chills from malaria, you have to wear warmer clothes or wear blanket cover.Although the primary symptoms of malaria typically begin within a few weeks of being bitten by a mosquito, some types of malarial parasites can linger in the body for up to a year or more.Malarial symptoms are caused by bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes, which inject the parasites into the host's bloodstream.After a week or two, the parasites will go to the liver and cause symptoms.
Step 3: Look for headaches and muscle pains.
Moderate-to-severe headaches and mild muscle aches are some of the symptoms of Malaria.The secondary symptoms occur a short time after the primary symptoms as the parasites need more time to spread around the body.Most infections, as well as the bites of other insects and spiders, cause headaches and muscle pains.The bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes are not very noticeable, unlike the bites of some other insects and spiders that can cause similar symptoms.Malaria's initial headaches are usually dull in nature, but as the parasites begin to destroy red blood cells, they can become more intense.The leg and back muscles are larger and more active than the other muscles, so they get more of the achy pain.
Step 4: It's a good idea to be suspicious of vomiting.
Multiple times per day, vomiting and diarrhea are other non-specific secondary symptoms of malaria.They occur in combination with each other, which mimics the symptoms of food poisoning and other infections.The main difference is that the vomiting/diarrhea caused by food poisoning fades away within a few days, whereas it can linger for weeks with Malaria.There's usually no blood or severe symptoms of Malaria, unlike some infections.If the specimen is stained with Giemsa stain, the parasites can be seen under a microscope.
Step 5: The advanced symptoms should be recognized.
If the advanced primary and secondary symptoms don't prompt the person to seek medical attention and get treatment, then symptoms begin to appear that signify serious injury or damage to the body, which may not be possible in the developing world.The risk of health problems and death increases when these advanced symptoms appear.Brain swelling and injury are indicated by confusion, convulsions, and neurological impairment.Anemia, bleeding, deep breathing, and respiratory distress are signs of lung involvement.Jaundice is a sign of liver damage.Enlarged spleen is the result of low blood pressure.
Step 6: It is very important to be cautious of underdeveloped tropical areas.
People living in or traveling to tropical countries are more likely to get Malaria.Most of the Asian subcontinent, Haiti, Solomon Islands, and the African countries of South Africa are considered to be the most risky.Most of the malaria deaths in Africa occur in kids younger than five years old, according to the CDC.Approximately 1,500 cases of Malaria are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Step 7: If your immune system is weak, be careful.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to be bitten by parasites.The group includes infants, children younger than five years, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with HIV/AIDS.If you are in this group, don't travel to high-risk countries if you have young children with you.The majority of people who are bitten by mosquitoes don't get the disease or develop mild symptoms, because their immune systems are strong.Vitamins A, C and D, zinc, echinacea, olive leaf extract, and astragalus root are some of the supplements that can boost your immune system.These won't prevent Malaria or its consequences.
Step 8: It is a good idea to avoid contaminated blood.
The red blood cells within the blood are the targets of the parasites that cause Malaria.People can catch malaria if they are exposed to contaminated blood.Blood transfusions, sharing needles to inject drugs, and childbirth are some of the ways in which contaminated blood can be transmitted.Hemophiliacs and people who lose a lot of blood from injuries are at higher risk of Malaria if they live in Africa or Asia.There is a small chance of contracting Malaria via sexual practices if the blood from one partner enters the bloodstream of another.
Step 9: If you travel to at-risk areas, take preventative measures.
To prevent bites from Anopheles mosquitoes, wear long sleeves, pants, and cover as much skin as possible; wear insect repellant that contains N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) or picaridin; stay in well.Discuss taking anti-malarial medication with your doctor.The drugs your doctor might suggest are chloroquine, atovaquone-proguanil, artemether-lumefantrine, mefloquinE, quinine, quinidine, and clindamycin.